The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has passed the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2011, a bill aimed at boosting marine and hydrokinetic energy development.

The bill supports marine and hydrokinetic resources by increasing research and development funding for new ocean, tidal and in-stream hydrokinetic projects.

The National Hydropower Association said it applauds the Senate committee for passing the bill and that it urges swift consideration of the bill by the full Senate.

Linda Church Ciocci, NHA executive director, said: "Marine and hydrokinetic technologies present tremendous potential for a renewable energy future. Studies have demonstrated that nearly 16,000 MW of inland and ocean hydrokinetic technologies could be developed by 2025 with the right policies. The bill passed today is a great first step towards that reality."